Learn to Partner with the Federal Labs.  This crisp, high energy presentation will inform and tantalize you on what collaboration with the FLC makes possible for product development and establishing credibility, including a recent study that showed that these collaborations can lead to significant revenue. Posters, representing a small sample of the possibilities, will be on display to browse after the session. The event allows interaction with many of the agencies represented, and interesting examples of success. Join us for this once in a decade moment to exploit this opportunity. We will only have time to scratch the surface of the depth and breadth of the 350+ plus facilities, 100,000 scientists and technologists, and $150B a year in R&D the US government spends. Following the event you are invited to the welcome reception for the larger conference.
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Why you should attend.
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  • Federal Labs are a national resource that you can tap to work on mutually beneficial technolgoy development
  • The scope of these Collaborative R&D Agreements (CRADAs) can be in any area including, food, composites, metals, advanced fabrics, electronics, etc
  • Test Service Agreements can be an important first step in government contracts
  • Investors and other partners often prioritize these sorts of connections in their decision making.
  • A recent study showed that small companies self-reported that over $2M in revenue has resulted from having a R&D relationship.

Some facts
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  • The US spends $150B annually on these facilities
  • Federal labs tend to do these agreements within a 500-mile radius
  • The Pacific Northwest has only 1 large (and one small) lab in that distance, while the east coast (where your competitors are) has scores.

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Startup World Cup Seattle Regional is coming to Seattle on September 23, 2026! Venture Mechanics is proud to be the host this year, bringing together Washington State's most promising startups, investors, and innovation leaders for a high-energy day of competition, connection, and discovery.

As part of the global Startup World Cup series spanning 100+ cities, this regional event will showcase top startups competing for a chance to represent Seattle on the world stage at the Grand Finale in San Francisco on November 6, 2026, where they will pitch for a $1M investment prize.

With 100+ startup applicants and 300+ attendees expected, the event will feature a curated group of standout founders pitching live to a panel of investors and industry experts. The winning startup will earn the opportunity to advance to the global finals, along with additional prizes and recognition.

Beyond the main stage, attendees can explore an interactive expo featuring startup exhibitors, community partners, and sponsors - offering a hands-on look at emerging technologies and new ventures shaping the future. The program will also include engaging panel discussions with leaders across the startup and venture ecosystem, as well as a keynote speaker (to be announced).

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, Startup World Cup Seattle is a must-attend event to connect with the region’s innovation community and witness the next generation of breakthrough companies.

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